The Los Angeles Police Department is actively seeking information from the public that may help identify any additional victims of a former University of Southern California grad student, Sizhe Weng, 30, who is facing allegations of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Weng, a Chinese national, has been accused of a series of assaults on women spanning from 2021 to 2025, according to a KTLA report. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has charged him with multiple felony counts, including forcible rape and sexual penetration by a controlled substance or anesthesia.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, in a press conference, stated that the number of suspected victims is currently in the mid single figures, but expectations are for that number to grow as more individuals come forward. Weng is believed to have used intoxicating substances, which, according to Hamilton, have effects "very similar" to roofies, to commit the alleged crimes. Furthermore, the District Attorney's Office has indicated that victims, no matter where they are based, locally or abroad, are urged to report any suspected attacks. Weng was taken into custody on Aug. 28 and is presently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, with a court appearance scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, as per the District Attorney's Office news release.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed the office's commitment to ensuring justice for the affected parties. "No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent," Hochman stated, emphasizing the significance of victims' voices in the pursuit of accountability. Hochman has encouraged anyone with potential information about Weng or any additional victims to proactively reach out to investigators at 213-486-6890 or to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
On Sept. 2, Weng pleaded not guilty to all charges levied against him. If convicted as charged, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life plus 56 years in California state prison and would also be required to forever register as a sex offender. The case remains under the investigation of the Los Angeles Police Department and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano of the Sex Crimes Division.
